Method and means for erecting elongated structures of concrete



Q Oct. 10, 1961 B. SUTER -ETAL 3,003,219

METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING ELONGATED STRUCTURES OF CONCRETE Filed May9, 1960 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 10, 1961 B. SUTER ET'AL 3,003,219

METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING ELONGATED STRUCTURES OF CONCRETE Filed May9, 1960 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 10, 1961 B. SUTER ETAL 3,003,219

METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING ELONGATED STRUCTURES OF CONCRETE Filed May9, 1960 8 Sheets-Sheet s Oct. 10, 1961 B. SUTER ETAL 3,003,219

METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING ELONGATED STRUCTURES OF CONCRETE Filed May9, 1960 Fig. 5 9

8 Sheets-Sheet 4' Oct. 10, 1961 ETAL METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTINGELONGATED STRUCTURES OF CONCRETE Fi led May 9, 1960 B. SUTER 8Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct. 10, 1961 B. SUTER ETAL 3,003,219

METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING ELONGATED STRUCTURES OF CONCRETE Filed May9, 1960 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING ELONGATEDSTRUCTURES OF CONCRETE Filed May 9, 1960 B. SUTER ET AL Oct. 10, 1961 8Sheets-Sheet '7 mwm wow u Oct. 10, 1961 B. SUTER L'TAL 3,003,219

METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING ELONGATED STRUCTURES OF CONCRETE Filed May9, 1960 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 I 21 ;/7 Fig. 25 l \xvvv v vvvv United StatesPatent 3,003,219 METHOD AND MEANS FOR ERECTING ELON- GATED STRUCTURES OFCONCRETE Bruno Suter, Karl Goliicke, and Hans Hermann Ehrhardt,Bensberg, near Koln, and Willy Jakobs, Wahn, near Koln, Heinz Meder,Koln-Hohenhaus, Emanuel Mroncz, Koln-Merheim, and Herbert Friihlich,Koln- Mungersdorf, Germany, assignors to Strahag Bau A.G., andKlockner-Humboldt-Deutz, A.G., both of Koh- Deutz, Germany, both Germancorporations, jointly Filed May 9, 1960, Ser. No. 27,793 Claimspriority, application Germany May 23, 1959 30 Claims. (Cl. 25-131.6)

Our invention relates to methods and means for erecting horizontallylong structures of concrete, such as elevated highways, bridges and likeelevated trafiic structures. More particularly, our invention concerns amethod and means for pouring in situ a plurality of elongated,longitudinally consecutive structural sections of concrete which extendhorizontally between elevated portions of horizontally spaced uprightsupports.

Elevated roadways, bridges, and other trafiic structures are commonlybuilt by erecting a row of upright concrete columns spaced atsubstantially uniform distances from each other, and then joining thetop portions of the columns by horizontal members which are poured insitu from a concrete mixture which may be reinforced with steel tensionmembers in a well known manner. The forms in which the horizontalmembers are poured are relatively costly and it would be desirable touse the same forms for a plurality of consecutive horizontal structuralmembers. Because of the long spans which can be bridged by a singlehorizontal concrete section, forms which extend from one upright to thenext were heretofore not capable of being moved between consecutivepouring sites.

It has been previously proposed to build forms which extend beyond acompleted horizontal section of the structure toward the next column tothe extent necessary for the cantilevered mass of concrete to be securedto the finished structure, and to connect successive sections byinterlocking their reinforcing tension members. However, a structureproduced in this manner is unsatisfactory because of the resultingrelatively close spacing of the joints in the concrete, which make itdiflicult, if not impossible to place such joints so as to correlatethem with areas of low or zero bending moment. Furthermore, it isusually impractical to support such forms by scaffolding based on theground beneath the structure where the columns are of substantial heightor where the ground beneath is under water, covered by a building orstructure, or otherwise not readily accessible.

Relating to the erection of elevated long structures of the general typedescribed, it is an object of our invention to afford relatively longspans to be poured in a form or an assembly of forms which is readilymovable along the length of the structure while being supported only bythe columns, whereby the cost of forms and of supporting scaffolding isgreatly reduced.

Another object of the invention is to permit placing the joints in theconcrete substantially at will, and preferably at the areas of minimumor zero bending moment.

With these and other objects in view, and in accord ance with theinvention, we provide an elongated track member which has a longitudinalface portion adapted to form a track between adjacent elements of apre-existing structure, which elements are to be joined by concretesections poured in situ. The pre-existing structure consists essentiallyof a completed concrete section having a substantially horizontalsurface which is to be extended by the newly poured sections, and of aplurality of upright suppo1t columns spaced from each other a prede-3,003,219 Patented Oct. 16, 1961 termined distance. The track member ispartially supported by elevated portions of these upright supportcolumns which are aligned with each other and with the completedsection.

We further provide means for mounting the track member on thepre-existing structure in such a manner that the track member may movelongitudinally toward and away from a position in which one portion ofthe track member is supported on the completed concrete section, and sothat another portion of the track member longitudinally spaced from theone portion mentioned is supported by one of the elevated supportportions.

The form carrier member, on which the form assembly is to be erected forpouring additional concrete sections, is carried by the apparatusdescribed so far and has at least one portion mounted on the trackmember for movement along the track formed by the face portion of thetrack member.

In a preferred specific embodiment of the invention, we provide a trackmember which is shaped and dimensioned to define a horizontallyextending elongated track between adjacent upright supporting columns.We further provide means for mounting the track member on a completedhorizontally extending concrete section adjacent to a free longitudinalend of the latter in such a manner, that the track member can be movedon the completed concrete section between a position in which a portionof the track is transversely aligned with the completed section, andanother position in which the same track portion overhangs the free endof the completed section at least by the distance between the free endand the next adjacent supporting column so that the track member can besecure to the last-mentioned column. A form carrier member which ismounted on the track member can be moved along the track of the latter,and thus into a position in which it bridges the span between the freeend of the completed concrete section and the adjacent column.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the form carrier issuspended from the track member by means of a plurality of supportingframes which are in turn movable along the track. The track member whichis located above the form carrier advantageously supports a conveyor forsupplying a concrete mixture to a form carried by the form carrier.

Under special conditions, the apparatus of the invention may be employedwithout a track member if otherwise suitably modified.

Other features and many of the attendant advantages of this inventionwill be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsthereof when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings inwhich like reference numerals designate like or corresponding partsthroughout the several figures, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view in side elevation of a first embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a detail of a second embodiment of the invention in a viewcorresponding to that of FIG. 2, but on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a somewhat schematic fragmentary bot tom View of theapparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a modified detail of the apparatus of FIG. 5 on anenlarged scale, with some elements omitted for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII--VII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows in plan view a detail of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates in side elevation the hydraulic circuitof the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 shows a detail of the apparatus of FIG. in a different operatingposition;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 6, illustrating adifferent operating position;

FIG. 12 shows a modification of the apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is a simplified view in side elevation of the device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of an additional modification of the apparatusof FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view in section taken along the line XVIXVIof FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a corresponding section of the apparatus of FIG. 15 takenalong the line XVII-XVII.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the apparatus of FIG. 15 in differentrespective operating positions;

FIG. 20 shows in side elevation a modified embodiment of the inventionwithout a track member;

FIG. 21 shows the apparatus of FIG. 20 in a different operatingposition;

FIG. 22 is a front elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a schematic front elevational view on an enlarged scale of adetail of the apparatus of FIG. 20; 7 FIG. 24 illustrates an additionalembodiment of the invention without a track member, the view being inside elevation;

FIG. 25 shows a modified version of the apparatus of FIG. 24 in acorresponding view; and

FIG. 26 is a front elevation of the devices of both FIGS. 24 and 25Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIG. 1, thereis shown an elevated traffic structure in the process of erection bymeans of the apparatus of the invention. Four columns 4, 5, 6 and 7 areintended to support a continuous horizontal beam 8 of reinforcedconcrete. As may be seen in FIG. 2, there are two identical concretestructures side by side. Each element of the first structure has acounterpart in the second structure which is designated by the samereference numeral and distinguished by a prime. For the sake ofsimplicity, only one of the structures will be described in detail.

A track member or carrier track 1 is supported on the last completedsection of the concrete beam 8, namely the section between the columns 5and 6, by means of rollers 9 so that it is longitudinally movable on theupper face of the completed beam section. A form carrier 2 is suspendedfrom the track member 1 by means of two C-shaped suspension frames 3each of which is equipped with mounting blocks it in which wheels 11 arejournaled. The wheels 11 travel along the top face of the track member 1which constitutes a track therefor. To reduce friction between the beam8 and the rollers 9, the upper face of the beam is protected by a track19 on which rollers 9 travel.

In FIG. 1, the movable track member 1 is shown in a position in whichits forward portion, as viewed in the direction of the arrow A,overhangs and extends beyond the free longitudinal end of the completedsection of the beam 8, and this forward portion is supported on thecolumn 7 by means of a block 17. To prevent any deviation of the trackmember 1 from straight horizontal motion'when traveling on the rollers9, the tail end of the track member I is held down by a counterweight18.

A cross beam 15 connects the column 6 and 6' and a similar cross beam15a connects column 5 with its corresponding opposite column (notshown). The cross beams 15, 15a support lifting devices or jacks 14which can be reaised to support the form carrier 2 so as to transmit theweight of the carrier directly to the columns. The cross beams 15, 15aand the associated elements 14 are only temporarily secured to thecolumns 5 and 6. They are moved from column to column as theconstruction proceeds in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1.

The form assembly 12, 13, 20 has been omitted from the illustration ofFIG. 1 in order not to obstruct the view of other elements, but it isclearly shown in FIG. 2.

The concrete beam 8 is of approximately T-shaped cross section and isenveloped by the C-shaped frames 3. The bight portion of each frame 3 issupported on the track member 1 which is an I-bearn member. The pair ofI-beams of track I enclose a conveyor 16, more clearly visible in FIG. 3and further described below. The inwardly turned free bight ends of theframes 3 carry the twin beams of the form carrier 2 on which a platform13 is mounted. The form 20 rests on the platform 13 and is reinforced byprops 12 in a manner well known in itself.

The preferred material of construction for the form carrier 2 and forthe structural elements by which it is secured to the elevated portionsof columns 5 and 6 is steel, whereas the form 20 and its supportingprops 12 may be of steel or wood.

The modified embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4differs from that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a number of details. Thetrack member 1 in this embodiment is supported by two trucks, of whichonly the front truck 21 is shown. The rollers or wheels 9 are rotatablymounted on the truck. A troughed belt conveyor 16 of usual constructionis mounted in the space formed by the pair of I-beams of track member 1and permits concrete mixture to be delivered to the form 20 in aparticularly convenient manner. The free upper edges of the track member1 are equipped with rails 22 on which the wheels 11 travel when the formcarrier 2 longitudinally moves relative to the track member 1.

The wheels 11 are mounted on a carriage 24 equipped on its top side withmounting saddles 25. The suspension frame 3 is provided with matingwedge shaped projections 26 which are seated in the mounting saddles 25and are held in firm engagement therewith by the weight of the frame 3and of the elements carried by the frame. Screw jacks 14 are mounted onthe cross beams 15 and permit the load of the form carrier 2, togetherwith that of the form 20 and of its contents, as well as that of theframes 3, to be transmitted directly to the column 6 and 7. When theload is thus carried, the projections 26 are thereby disengaged from themounting saddles 25, and the track member 1 together with its truck 21and carriage 24 can be readily moved forward preparatory to pouring ofthe next section of the beam 8, or may even be withdrawn and employed ona laterally adjacent structure while the concrete of the last pouredsection is permitted to set or cure.

As shown schematically in FIG. 4, the carriages 24 are connected by atraction cable 27 which is trained around a pulley 28. This pulley ismounted by means of a bracket on the front end of the track member 1 formovement of the form carrier 2 along the track defined by the rails 22.While it is convenient to move the frames 3 jointly in the'mannerindicated, individual drive arrangements for each carriage 24 are alsoentirely feasible.

The two embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 areoperated in substantially the same manner as follows:

A section of the concrete beam 8 approximately the same length as thespacing of the columns 4, 5, 6, 7 is poured in each step. The jointsbetween sections are preferably located at the points of zero moment.The track member 1 is movably supported on the last completed sectionand overhangs the end of this section by the length of the next sectionto be poured. The for-ward nd of track member 1 is supported on the nextcolumn 7 by block 17. The form carrier 2 with the form 20 is thenadvanced into its new position. By adjusting jacks 14, the form carrier2 is secured on the columns between which it now extends in such amanner that the weight of the concrete mixture poured from conveyor 16is transmitted directly to the columns, and by raising projections 26from saddle 25, the track member 1 is disengaged and free to be movedforward and backward for proper distri bution of the concrete mixture inthe form. When the form 20 is filled, the track member 1 may bewithdrawn entirely and employed in the construction of an adjacent beamwhile the poured concrete mixture is permitted to set and cure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus of the invention may be used toadvantage to construct two adjacent structures consisting of laterallyspaced horizontal beams 8 and 8. The steel reinforcing bars of the twoconcrete beams 8, 8 are positioned in the form to project into the gapbetween the beams 8, 8, so that the gap can later be filled withconcrete mixture in the usual manner to form a closed reinforcedconcrete bridge deck or highway foundation.

FIGS. 5 to 14 illustrate several modifications of details in the meansfor supporting the track member 1 on the top face of the beam 8 so as tomove the track member as required by the particular constructionoperations.

FIG. 5 shows in a schematic bottom view the track member 1 of FIG. 4 andalso illustrates two trucks, a front truck 21 and a tail truck 29.Since, during operation of the apparatus of the invention, the fronttruck 21 carries the major portion of the load, it is equipped with agreater number of wheels 9 and these are mounted on the truck 21 in amore elaborate arrangement than are the wheels 32 of the tail truck 29,as is more fully described hereinafter. As shown in FIG. 4, the fronttruck 21 is secured to that portion of the track member 1 which isvertically aligned with the front end of the last finished section ofthe beam 8 when the track member 1 is in the forward positionillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, that is, when the overhanging end of trackmember 1 bridges the gap between the two columns 6, 7 in which the nextbeam section is to be poured. The tail truck 29 is mounted under therear end of the track member 1, preferably beneath counterweight 18(FIG. 1). Both trucks 21 and 29 are rotatably mounted on the trackmember 1 by means of respective turntables 30 and 31.

The modified example 21' of a front truck, shown in some detail in FIG.6, differs from the truck 21 of FIG. 5 essentially only by having twoless pairs of wheels or rollers 9. It will be understood that thespecific number, size and shape of the wheels or rollers employed tosupport any movable element of the structure described is generally amatter of design to suit specific conditions of loading. Generally, theterm wheel as herein employed will be understood to include varioussubstantially cylindrical means rotatably mounted on one element andmaking rolling contact with another element to transmit a load from oneelement to the other.

As seen in FIG. 6, the truck 21' is of substantially square outline whenviewed from the bottom, and is equipped with four sets of wheels 33, 34,35 and 36 which are mounted on swivel supports 46 (-FIG. 8). Theseswivel supports are omitted in FIG. 6 for the sake of clarity. Each setof two wheels are respectively mounted on the two output shafts of adifferential gear 39, the input shaft of each gear being driven by anindividual electric drive motor 46 This diiferential gear arrangementpermits the two wheels of each set to travel on a curved path atrespectively different circumferential speeds in the manner well knownfrom automotive vehicles. The differential gears 39 may also be employedto cause swiveling of a particular set of wheels when rotation of one ofthe two wheels is impeded.

The motors 40 are preferably geared down internally and are arranged toprovide a selection of two speeds by change of pole connections so thatthe track member 1 may be advanced or retracted longitudinally at arelatively high speed, whereas the lower motor speed is available foractuating turning movement of the truck or for transverse movement.Alternately, instead of changing pole connections of a single motor 40,there may be provided two electric motors of different output speedswhich may be selectively engaged with the input shaft of thedifferential gear 39 by means of electrically operated clutches (notshown).

Swiveling movement of each set of gears 39 can also be produced by aradial arm 4-1 which is the terminal element of an interconnectingcontrol linkage not otherwise shown, causing the four wheel sets 33-86to be swiveled in unison.

FIG. 6 shows also two fixed sets of idler wheels 37 and 38. The commonaxis of these wheels extends in the direction of a diameter of theturntable 30 and their fixed mounting on truck 21 thus does notinterfere with rotation of the truck 21' on its turntable 30.

As may be seen from FIG. 7, which shows an elevational section of thetruck 21' of FIG. 6, each set of swiveling wheels has an individualswivel turntable 42 supported on ball bearings 43. Forked angular wheelbrackets 46 are pivoted to the turntable 42 by means of a pin 44, eachbracket carrying a pair of wheels and their coordinated differentialgears 39 and motors 40. A hydraulic jack 48, 50 (FIG. 7) is hingedlyconnected to each respective turntable 42 and to the free end of thecorresponding forked wheel bracket 46 by means of respective pins 45 and47. The fixed wheel sets 37 and 38 are similarly fastened directly tothe body of the truck 21' by means of a forked pivoted bracket and ahydraulic jack 49.

FIG. 8 illustrates one of the swiveling wheel sets in a fragmentary planview which shows the swivel supports 46 omitted from FIG. 6.

In FIG. 9 the hydraulic circuit of the several wheel sets of one side ofthe truck 21' of FIGS. 6 and 7 is shown schematically. A pressure line51 connects the hydraulic jacks 48, 49, and 50 to a source (not shown)of hydraulic fluid under pressure, which source is connected to thepressure gauges 52. A surge tank 53, in which a fixed amount of gas suchas air is trapped by the hydraulic fluid, communicates with the pressureline 51 and provides resilient action to the hydraulic medium. Theseveral hydraulic wheel jacks are all of substantially identicalconstruction with the same effective cylinder cross section, and thehydraulic system ensures that they all exert equal hydraulic pressure.The load is thus equally distributed over the wheels and their tractionforce is also equal because of the equalized friction.

The hydraulic system also compensates automatically for any majorunevenness of the beam face over which the track member 1 travels, asshown in FIG. 9. Minor surface defects can be compensated for by usingresilient wheel tires of solid rubber, foam rubber, or even pneumatictires.

It will be understood that the desirable equalization of wheel load andwheel traction may also be accomplished by means other than thehydraulic system illustrated. There may be provided a compensating leversystem, known as such, in which two sets of wheels coact and arepivotally connected with a cross member similar to the beam of a balanceand on which two additional sets of wheels are pivotally mounted.

The hydraulic system described has the advantage of permitting the wheelsets to be raised and lowered. If separate hydraulic controls for thewheel sets of each side of the truck are available, it is possible tocompensate for a slight slope of the face of the structure. Aninclination of 3", such as may be encountered in road bridges and thelike, can readily be balanced. The bydraulic system also may be used toadvantage if the track member 1 is to be raised or lowered for thepurpose of setting it on stationary supports, as will be described inmore detail below.

FIG. 10 shows the tail truck 29 of the apparatus of FIG. 5. Truck 29 isof much simpler construction than the front truck 21 since it is notcalled upon to sustain such great loads. Since only one set of wheels 32is required on each side, the wheels can be arranged with their axes ona diameter of the turntable 31, and the wheel sets need not be capableof swiveling individually on the truck 29.

FIG. 11 shows the front truck 21' in the position assumed after rotationthrough an angle of 90 from the position illustrated in FIG. 6 when itis desired to move the track member 1 transversely in the directionindicated by the arrow in FIG. 11. The movable sets of wheels 9 locatedin the corners of the square truck 21 are first swiveled through 45before the truck is rotated on its turntable 30 so that the axes of allwheels intersect the axis of rotation of the truck. The positions of thewheel sets may be altered by actuating movement of the respectivedifferential gear while one of the wheels is arrested, or by means ofthe above-mentioned control linkage which acts on the radial arms 41(FIG. 7). After the desired angular position of the truck 21 is reachedas shown in FIG. 11, the individual wheel sets are again rotated untilthe plane of rotation of each wheel is parallel to the intendeddirection of movement of the track member 1.

The truck 21", shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 in bottom view and sideelevation respectively, is equipped with six sets of Wheels having axesof rotation fixed relative to the truck. Not all the wheel axes of truck21" pass through the axis of rotation of the truck turntable 30. Topermit rotation of the truck 21", from a position for example, oflongitudinal to a position of transverse movement, there is provided ahydraulic jack 54 mounted on the track member 1 adjacent the truck 21".member of the jack 54 forms an extensible leg for raising the trackmember 1, and thereby the truck 21", from the face of the concrete beamsection so that the truck may readily be turned, whereupon theextensible leg of jack 54 is retracted and the truck 21" is lowered.

Another arrangement for permitting longitudinal and transverse movementof a track member is schematically shown in FIG. 14. The truck 21a isrotatably mounted on a turntable 30 and is equipped with a plurality ofwheel sets 55 having transverse axes of rotation for longitudinalmovement of the coordinated track member, and a plurality of wheel sets56 having longitudinally extending axes for transverse movement of thetrack member. Each of the Wheel sets is equipped with hydraulic liftingmeans similar to jacks 48, 49 and 50 illustrated in FIG. 7, but theindividual wheel jacks for truck 21a are individually controlled so thateither the wheel sets 55 or the wheel sets 56 may be selectively loweredfor contact with the face of the concrete beam while the other set isretracted.

Finally, for transverse movement of track 1, only those wheel sets whoseaxes intersect the axis of rotation of the turntable 30, such as thecenter sets of group 55, may be lowered when it is desired to turn thetruck 21a to an angular position intermediate those for longitudinal andtransverse movement.

In all the embodiments of trucks illustrated, the drive motors 40 arepreferably centrally controlled, and equipped with automatic deviceswhich limit the movement of the track member during both longitudinaland transverse movement, as to the distance or the arc traveled duringpivoting movement of the turntable, and also as to the speed during suchlinear or arcuate travel.

It has been found practical to dimension the track members for bridginggaps between columns as long as those commonly bridged byself-supporting reinforced The piston.

concrete structures. Where the gaps are exceptionally long and theelevation above the ground is only moderate, it may be moreadvantageous, however, to erect temporary auxiliary columns bi-sectingor even tri-secting the spacing between successive permanent columns.Except for dimensional changes, the arrangement of the invention isequally applicable to a method of construction in which such temporaryauxiliary columns are employed. The auxiliary columns will support theapparatus of the invention in the same manner as the permanent columnsdescribed and illustrated.

Where the columns are of relatively small height, one end of the trackmember 1 may be supported in all successive steps on auxiliary columnswhich are movable and which are advanced with the track member asconstruction proceeds. With such an arrangement the front end of thetrack member need not necessarily be supported on the permanent columns.Such a modification will be understood not to exceed the scope of thisinvention.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 19 isparticularly well suited to the pouring of sections for a bridge or likestructure which is either straight or uniformly curved. It has the addedadvantage over the examples of the invention illustrated and describedso far, in that the completed sections of the structure aresubstantially unenoombered and form a convenient work platform fortransportation of the concrete mixture and for other buildingoperations.

FIGS. l5, l8 and 19 show this embodiment of the invention in sideelevation in somewhat schematic view, in several respective positionsduring the operation of the apparatus. A bridge slab 101 supported by areinforced concrete beam 102 is to be extended over the tops of a row ofconsecutive upright columns 103 to 107. The columns designated by oddreference numerals are permanent elements of the bridge to be built,whereas the columns 104 and 106 are temporary auxiliary structures andare intended to be removed after completion of the bridge. The temporaryor auxiliary columns 104 and 106 are movable substantially withoutdisassembly from one pouring site to another. As may be seen from FIGS.17 and 18, the bridge structure includes two parallel rows of alignedcolumns and associated structures, each substantially a mirror image ofthe other, so that the detailed description of the elements of one rowwill be understood to apply to the other row as well.

Each of the columns 105, 106, and 107 in FIG. 15 carries a removable,block mounted roller 108 on which an elongated track member 109 issupported. The columns 1034.07 of each row are arranged at equaldistances from each other, and the length of the track member 109 issuch that it is adapted to bridge the gaps between three consecutivelyadjacent columns. As shown in FIG. 15, the track member portion 109 ismainly supported by the columns and 106, and its cantileveredoroverhanging portion 110 is releasably secured to the free end of thecompleted concrete member formed by the slab 101 and the beam 102 sothat the weight of the track member 109 and of structural elementsmounted thereon is partly transmitted to the column 104 which supportsthe free end 127 of the completed concrete member.

A form carrier 111414 (FIG. 18) of a length exceeding the distancebetween two successive upright columns, such as 4, 5, and of an overallwidth similar to that of the finished bridge structure is suspended atits longitudinal ends from the cantilevered portion 110 of the trackmember 109 and from the completed concrete section 101, 102respectively. As better visible in FIG. 16, the form carrier consists offour longitudinal girder sections 111, 112., 113, and 114 which arearranged in parallel alignment so that one pair of the girder sectionsflanks each row of upright columns. The two inner girders 112 and 113thus are arranged betweenthe two rows of columns. It will be understoodthat the shape and size of the form carrier will depend on thedimensions and the weight of the concrete sections to be poured in aform at one time, and that the details shown are merely illustrative ofa preferred embodiment of the invention.

For moving the form carrier, two trolleys 115 and 116 are movablymounted on the slab 101 and the cantilevered portion 109 of the trackmember respectively. The tnolley wheels 117 travel along thesubstantially horizontal top surfaces of the slab 101 and track portion110 to carry the form carrier 111-114 from the position illustrated inFIG. 15 to that shown in FIG. 18.

The several girder sections 111, 112, 113, and 114 of the form carrierare provided with five cross members 122 to 126. The cross members 122,123, 124 and 125 are each interrupted in line with the two rows ofupright columns, and the several sections of' each of these crossmembers are fixedly fastened to the girder sections. The cross member126 extends over the full width of the form carrier, as can best be seenfrom FIG. 16, and is re leasably fastened to the several girder sections111-114. The columns 103-107 are equipped with removable projectingcarrier elements (not shown) in the same manner as shown in FIG. 3, forexample, to provide support for the cross beams, when desired.

As best seen from FIG. 16, the two trolleys 115, 116 are each equippedwith four hoists 119, the cables 118 which can be respectively fastenedto the four girder sections 111-114. Additional hoisting members 130,such as steel cables connected to winches (not shown), suspend the crossmember 126 from the trolley 115. The form 120 of wood or sheet metal isassembled on the form carrier and is reinforced by saddle-shaped props121.

The device illustrated in FIGS. to 19 operates as follows:

As shown in FIG. 15, the pouring of the concrete section between thecolumns 103 and 104 has been completed and the concrete of this sectionhas set and cured sufficiently to carry not only its own weight, butalso to support the form and its contents during the pouring of thesubsequent section. The free end 127 of the completed section projectsbeyond the column 104 a predetermined distance so that the joint withthe succeeding section will be located in the area of zero moment.

The cantilevered end portion 110 of the track member 109 is secured tothe free end 127 of the completed concrete section, and the form carrieris then lowered by means of the hoists 119 so that the form 120 isseparated from the set concrete. The trolley 115 is positioned justahead of the column 103 and the cross member 126 is suspended therefrom.The forward end of the form carrier is suspended from the trolley 116which travels on the track member 109.

The trolleys 115 and 116 are then moved along their respective tracksuntil the form carrier 111-114 reaches a position in which thereleasable cross member 126 has almost reached the column 104 and thecross member 124 is aligned with this column and can be temporarilyfastened to it. The cross member 126 is then detached from the cables130, the trolley 115 is moved rearward and the cross member 126 is againsecured to the cables 130 in a position near the rear end of the formmember. It is now possible to advance the form carrier to the1ongitudinal position shown in FIG. 18 in which a cross member 125 isaligned with the next column 105, and the cross member 123 is alignedwith the column 103. The form carrier can be secured directly to thecolumn 105 by means of the cross member 125 so that the trolley 116 isnot loaded during the subsequent pouring operation.

When the trolley 116 is separated from the form carrier, the trackmember 109 can be released from the free end 127 of the completedconcrete member and is removed from the pouring area by being rolled onthe rollers 108 toward the column 107; The form 120 is now accessible asseen in FIG. 20.

In order to reduce the free span of the form carrier during thesubsequent pouring of concrete mixture, we prefer not to rely on thesupport given the rearward end of the form carrier by the cross member123, but to transmit at least a portion of the load to the projectingfree end 127 of the previously completed concrete section. For thispurpose, the free end 127 is formed with several vertical holes throughwhich the cables 118 of the hoists 119 are passed from the trolley tothe cross member 124 or directly to the corresponding girder sections.When the holes are positioned very close to the end of the completedsection, the joint formed with the subsequently poured section isparticularly smooth and level. If desired, by thus supporting the end ofthe form carrier on cables, the cross member 123 may be entirelydisconnected from the column 104. The cross member 126 may be removedfrom the form carrier as shown in FIG. 19, during the concrete pouring,to be again attached to the form carrier on the other side of column 104in a position similar to that shown in FIG. 15 relative to column 103.

The trolleys 115, 116 and their hoisting gear can be made lighter andless powerful if the several girder sections 111, 112, 113 and 114 arenot to be moved jointly between successive pouring sites. The internalgirder sections 112, 113 may be transferred separately together with thecorresponding portions of the form 120, and the external sections 111,114 may then follow either jointly or in two separate operations. Theform is preferably arranged in such a manner that the portions which arein line with the two rows of columns can be folded over so that the form120 will not interfere with movement of the form carrier, yet will notrequire complex disassembly and re-assernbly during each pouring cycle.The proper vertical position of the form 120 is reached by hoisting theform carrier, and the form is secured in its properly aligned positionwith the previously completed concrete section when the carrier rests onthe cross member 25 as shown in FIG. 19.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 19 wasdescribed above in connection with the pouring of a straight, horizontalportion of a bridge. It is also well suited for curved portions,particularly when the radius of curvature of the successive sections isequal, and the use of the apparatus is not limited to perfectlyhorizontal structures. Inclined bridge ramps may readily be constructedwith the aid of our apparatus, and it will be understood that the termsubstantially horizontal is deemed to apply to all tratfic structuresthe slope of which is substantial-1y less than 45 In FIGS. 20 to 26,there are shown several further embodiments of our invention in which aform carrier is capable of being moved forward along the intendedlocation of elongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sectionswithout requiring a track member.

Referring first to FIGS. 20-23, there are visiblethree columns 201,2112, and 203, equally spaced from each other to support sections of acontinuous bridge slab of which one section 204 is already completed.Section 204 is provided with rails 205 on which trolleys 206 and 207travel in the longitudinal direction of the slab. Cables 208 and 209 aresuspended from the trolleys and carry respective cross members 210 and211. The cross members support the form carrier 212. during the movementof the latter from one pouring site to the next. The form carrier 212 isequipped with cross ties 214, 215, 216 and 217 in two groups so thatcorresponding ones i.e., 214, 216 and 215, 217 are longitudinally spacedfrom each other by approximately the distance between two of the columns201, 202, 203. The function of these cross ties will become apparentlater.

An auxiliary column 218 is arranged between the columns 202 and 203,approximately equidistant from both, and supports a transverse beam 219.This transverse beam carries one end portion of a quadruple auxiliarytrack 220, the other end portion of which is suspended from the column203 by means of a tension member 222. Trolleys 223 are guided on thetrack 220. As best visible in FIG. 22, the columns such as 203, 203' ofthe structure illustrated are arranged in twin rows with paired elementsof the quadruple track 220 flanking each row. The trolleys 223 whichtravel on each of the tracks 220 carry twin beams 224 on which the foursections 212a, 212b, 212c and 212d of the carrier can be supported bymeans of pads 225.

The auxiliary column 218 (FIG. 20) and the quadruple track 220 areportable and relatively light in weight so that they can be shifted fromone pouring site to the next as construction proceeds. The auxiliarystructure can be moved by a revolving crane commonly available atconstruction sites for raising concrete mixture and other buildingmaterials, and such a crane greatly facilitates the assembly of theauxiliary structure. This crane is needed only during the forwardmovement of the form carrier from one pouring site to the next.

During pouring and during the subsequent setting or curing period of theconcrete, the form carrier is supported at its forward end by the column203 which is part of the lasting bridge structure. The engagementbetween the front portion of the form carrier and the top portion of thecolumn 203 is shown in some detail in FIG. 23, which illustrates a frontelevation of the apparatus of FIG. 20 on an enlarged scale.

The cross tie 217 projects laterally beyond the form carrier section212a and extends into a recess 234 at the top of the column 203. Thecross tie 217 is secured in its engaged position by means of chains orcables 231 which pass through a horizontal opening 232 in the column. Ahydraulic jack 233 is interposed between the cross tie 217 and thehorizontal face of the recess 234 on which the weight of the formcarrier section 212-a rests. A spacer block 235 secures the carriersection against accidental tilting.

The apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 23 operates as follows:

In the position illustrated in FIG. 20, the form carrier 212 is readyfor forward movement to the next pouring site. During the precedingpouring operation it was suspended from the columns 201 and 202 in themanner indicated in FIG. 23, but it is now to be lowered as shown inFIG. 22 so that the form 213 is no longer in contact with the completedsection 204. The spacer blocks 235 have been removed, and the weight ofthe form carrier 212 with the empty form 213 is carried by the trolleys206 and 207 which are equipped with hoists (not shown) as previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 16.

The form carrier 212 is moved forward in the direction of the arrow Pfrom the position illustrated in FIG. 20 towards that shown in FIG. 21through a distance equal to the spacing between the cross ties 214- and215 (or between the ties 216 and 217) whereby the ties 214 and 216 arealigned respectively with the columns 201 and 202 and are then securedto these columns. This permits the trolleys 206, 207, with their cables208 and 209 and the suspended cross members 210, 2-11, to be shiftedrearwardly by a distance about equal to the spacing between the crossties 214 and 215. The form carrier 212 is then released from the columns201 and 202 and can be carried by the trolleys 206, 207 to the positionshown in fully drawn lines in FIG. 21 in which the front end of the formcarrier 212 is seen to overhang the cross member 211 to such an extentthat it must be supported for further forward movement.

The trolley set 223 is placed under the form carrier 212. After afurther short advance, the front end is lifted off the pad 225 by thecross member 211 and the trolley 223 is moved rearward, whereupon thefinal position 212' indicated in FIG. 21 by broken lines, can bereached. The form carrier is then secured on the columns 202 and 203 bymeans of the cross ties 215 and 217, and raised to the proper pouringposition of the form 213. The auxiliary column 218 and the quadrupletrack are shifted to the space between the next two columns for asubsequent cycle of operations.

The spans between permanent columns that can be erected with theapparatus shown in FIGS. 20 to 23 are relatively short, but theequipment is quite simple, easily transported, and suitable for bothstraight and curved trafiic structures.

The need for an auxiliary column such as 218 can be avoided by themodified embodiments of our invention shown in FIGS. 24 to 26. The formcarrier 212 is substantially identical with that of the aforedescribedapparatus of FIGS. 2023. Its front end carries a longitudinal extensionmember 226, relatively light in structural strength and weight andadapted only to carry the form carrier 212 with the empty form acrossthe gap between successive columns. The length of the extension member226 is approximately equal to that of the form carrier 212 and to thespacing between successive columns so that the overall length of theform carrier with its extension member is sufficient to bridge the gapfrom column 201 to column 202, and further to column 203.

Rollers 227 are mounted on a frame which includes two beams 228 and 229and which is suspended from the top of the column 203 by means oftension members 230 such as chains or cables. The front end of theextension member 226 rests on the rollers 227 when the form carrier 212is longitudinally positioned for pouring a concrete section between thecolumns 201 and 202.

The condition of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 24 is reached aftercompletion of the concrete section 204 when the form can be lowered fromthe adequately cured concrete. The weight of the form carrier 212 and ofthe empty form has been transferred to the trolley 206 near the rear endof the form carrier, and at the front end to the rollers 227. When thetrolley 206 is moved along the top surface of the concrete section 204toward the right, as viewed in FIG. 24, the extension member 226 moveson the rollers 227 until it eventually engages a similar rollerarrangement on the next column (not shown) and the form carrier 212 isin longitudinal position for the next pouring step. The form carrier ofthe apparatus of FIG. 24 is raised and lowered by hydraulic jacks in themanner shown in FIG. 23.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 24 is of greatestsimplicity both in its structure and in its operating characteristics,but it is limited in its economical application to straight or slightlycurved roads or bridges. Curves of relatively short radius of curvaturecan be negotiated without special adaptation of the apparatus only whenthe radius of curvature is constant.

For relatively short spans between columns and straight lengths ofroadway or bridge slab, the embodiment shown in FIG. 25 is mostadaptable. It ditfers from the device shown in FIG. 24 mainly in a formcarrier 212 the length of which is adequate to bridge the gaps betweenthree successive columns. A form carrier of such length can be advancedwithout any auxiliary columns or special extension members. Its frontend is supported on rollers 227 in the same manner as the extensionmember 226 illustrated in FIG. 24. Although the form carrier has almosttwice the length of those heretofore described, it is used with a formof usual dimensions, that is, of a length about equal to the spacing oftwo successive columns. Whereas the position of the form is ratherclosely determined on the form carriers shown in the preceding examplesof the apparatus of the invention in which the length of the formcarrier varies substantially between the spacing of successive columnsand a value one-andone-half times this spacing, the location of the formmay be selected more freely on the form carrier shown in FIG. 25, Theapparatus of this embodiment is thus better adapted to irregularlyspaced columns and other variations in operating conditions.

Rapid and convenient shifting of the form carrier in the severalembodiments of the invention in which the rear end of the form carrieris directly supported on the pre-existing structure, that is, on thesurface of a completed concrete section, is greatly facilitated by thefact that the form carrier is somewhat longer than the spacing betweensuccessive columns, and that its rear end thus .projects rearward in thepouring position beyond the column which bounds the gap over which aconcrete section is being poured. A transverse member located on theprojecting portion (214 in FIGS. 20, 24, 25; 122 in FIG. 15) is adaptedto carry the load of the form carrier for the brief period required forshifting trolleys to permit completion of the advance movement in asingle additional stroke.

The form carrier as well as the forms for pouring the concrete sectionsare preferably made of light metals such as aluminum alloys to reducetheir weight, for greater portability, which has an important bearing onthe ease of operation of our apparatus.

It is to be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relatesonly to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that it is intendedto coverall changes and modifications of the examples of the inventionherein chosen for the purpose of the disclosure which do not constitutedepartures from the spirit and scope of the invention set forth in theappended claims.

We claim:

I l. The method of erecting an elevated horizontally long structure ofconcrete by consecutively pouring in situ a plurality of elongatedlongitudinally consecutive concrete sections extending between elevatedportions of a row of upright supports horizontally spaced from eachother, which comprises the steps of suspending an assembly of formsbetween a first and a second one of the upright supports, pouringconcrete for a first horizontally extending section into said assemblyto connect said first and second supports, mounting a track memberbetween said first section and a third one of said upright supports,releasing said form assembly from said first section and suspending saidform assembly from said track member, moving said form assembly alongsaid track member to a position between said first section and saidthird upright support, suspending said form assembly between said firstsection and said third upright support, and pouringv the next section ofconcrete into said form assembly.

-2. In -an apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ and into movableforms a plurality of elongated longitudinally consecutive concretesections horizontally extending between elevated portions of uprightsupports horizontally spaced from each a predetermined distance, a'track member adapted to define a horizontally extending elongatedform-supporting track of a length at least suificient to span thedistance between adjacent ones of said upright supports; means formovably mounting said track member on a completed one of said sectionsso that its forward end can be temporarily located at a first positionadjacent to and transversely aligned with a free longitudinal end ofsaid completed section and for longitudinal movement of said trackmember on said completed section between said first position and asecond position in which said forward end of said track member overhangssaid free end of said completed section at least by the distance betweensaid free end and a next adjacent one of said supports, means fortemporarily supporting said forward end of said track member on saidnext adjacent support; and a form carrier member movably mounted on saidform-supporting track for movement therealong to support said movableforms while concrete is poured in the latter to produce a respectivesection and for subsequently advancing said forms along said trackmember to a location between said free end and 14 said next adjacentsupport to form a next section to be poured.

3. Apparatus for erecting horizontally long concrete structures byconsecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms a plurality ofelongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sections horizontallyextending between elevated portions of upright supports horizontallyspaced from each a predetermined distance, comprising a trackmemberadapted to define a horizontally extending elongatedform-supporting track of a length at least sufficient to span thedistance between adjacent upright supports; means for movably mountingsaid track member on a completed one of said sections so that itsforward end can be positioned at a first position adjacent to andtransverse- 'ly aligned with a free longitudinal end of said completedsection and for longitudinal movement of said track member on saidcompleted section between said first position and a second position inwhich said forward end of said track member overhangs said free end ofsaid completed section at least by the distance between said free endand a next adjacent one of said supports, whereby said forward end ofsaid track member is in a position to be secured to said next adjacentsupport; a plurality of supporting frames each mounted on said trackmember for movement along said track, and a form carrier member securedto said supporting frames for movement together therewith along saidtrack to support said movable forms while concrete is poured into thelatter to produce a respective section and for subsequently advancingsaid forms along said track member to a location between said free endand said next adjacent support to form a next section to be poured.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, comprising conveying means mountedon said track member for conveying a concrete mixture along said trackmember to a form carried .by said form carrier member.

5. Apparatus for erecting horizontally long concrete structures byconsecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms a plurality ofelongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sections horizontallyextending between elevated portions of upright supports horizontallyspaced from each a predetermined distance, comprising a track memberadapted to define a horizontally extending elongated form-supportingtrack of a length at least sufficient to span the distance betweenadjacent upright supports; means for movably mounting said track memberon a completed one of said sectionsso that its forward end can bepositioned at a first position adjacent to and transverselysaligned witha free longitudinal end of said completed section and for longitudinalmovement of said track member on said completed section between saidfirst position and a second position in which said forward end of saidtrack member overhangs said free end of said completed section at leastby the distance between said free end and a next adjacent one of saidsupports, whereby said forward end of said track member is in a positionto be secured to said support; said means for mounting said track membercomprising two truck means longitudinally spaced on said track member,and wheel means on said truck means arranged for supporting said trackmember and alternatively rotatable about two horizontally extending axesrespectively transverse of and parallel to the direction of elongationof said track, and a form carrier member mounted on said track memberfor movement therealong to support said movable forms while concrete ispoured in the latter to produce a respective section and forsubsequently advancing said forms along said track member to a locationbetween said free end and said next adjacent support to form a nextsection to be poured.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, comprising pivot means interposedbetween said track member and one of said truck means for pivotingmovement of said truck means about an upright axis.

7. In apparatus as set forth in claim 5, said wheel means including aplurality of wheels arranged for supporting said track member androtatable about respective horizontally extending axes, and a pluralityof bracket means interposed between said truck means and respective onesof said wheels, each of said bracket means being pivotable on said truckmeans about an upright axis.

8. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said means for movably mountingsaid track member including a plurality of wheels arranged forsupporting said track member and rotatable about respective horizontallyextending axes transverse of the direction of elongation of said track,and hydraulic means interposed between said track member and at leastone of said wheels for varying the spacing between the mis of said wheeland said track member.

9. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said means for mounting saidtrack member including a plurality of wheels arranged for supportingsaid track member and rotatable about respective horizontally extendingaxes transverse of the direction of elongation of said track, andhydraulic means interposed between said track member and said pluralityof wheels for jointly varying the spacings between the respective axesof said wheels and said track member.

10. In apparatus as set forth in claim 9, said hydraulic means includinga plurality of hydraulic pressure elements interposed between said trackmember and respective ones of said wheels for urging movement of theaxes thereof in a direction away from said track member withsubstantially equal respective forces.

11. In apparatus as set forth in claim 10, said pressure elementsincluding each a hydraulic cylinder of substantially equal efiectivecross sectional area, andsaid hydraulic means further including a commonsource of hydraulic fluid connected to each of said cylinders.

12. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said means for movablymounting said track member including t'wo sets of wheels arranged foralternatingly supporting said track member, said wheels being rotatableabout respec tive horizontally extending axis, the axes of one set ofwheels being transverse of the direction of elongation of said track,and the axes of the other one of said sets being transverse of the axesof said one set; and means interposed between said track member and oneof said sets for moving the wheels of the latter between a position inwhich they project beyond the wheels of the other set for supportingsaid track member, and a second position in which they are retractedbehind the wheels of the other set for support of said track member bysaid other set of wheels.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, comprising a plurality of drivemeans,- said means for movably mounting said track member having aplurality of wheels, each of said wheels being driven by a respectiveone of said drive means.

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, comprising drive means, saidmeans for movably mounting said track member having two wheels; and adifferential gear interposed between said drive means and said wheelsfor transmitting movement of said drive means to said wheels atdifferent respective speeds.

15. In apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said means for movablymounting said track member comprising a wheel and a leg member mountedon said track member and having respective supporting portions spacedfrom said track member for contact with said completed element; andpressure actuated extension means interposed between said track memberand one of said supporting portions for varying the spacing of said onesupporting portion from said track means, whereby said track member maybe alternatively supported on said completed element by said wheel andsaidleg member.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, comprising means 16 forcontrolling the movement of said track member relative to said completedsection.

17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, comprising a plurality ofsupporting frames, a plurality of carriage means mounted on said trackmember for movement along said track, a first connecting means on eachof said carriages, a second connecting means on each of said supportingframes and releasably engageable with a corresponding one of said firstconnecting means, said form carrier being secured to said supportingframes and releasably mounted by said connecting means on said trackmember.

18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 17, comprising a tension memberconnecting said plurality of carriage means for joint movement alongsaid track.

19. Apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms aplurality of elongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sectionshorizontally extending between elevated portions of upright supportshorizontally spaced from each other, comprising a completed structuralsection having a horizontally extending elongated face portion, the faceportion having a longitudinal end; a track member defining an elongatedform-supporting track thereon; means for mounting said track member onsaid face portion adjacent said end with said track extendinglongitudinally in the direction of elongation of said face portion, saidtrack member being longitudinally movable relative to said face portioninto and out of a position in which a portion of said track memberoverhangs said end; and a form carrier member mounted on said trackmember for movement along said track to support said movable forms whileconcrete is poured into the latter to produce a respective section andfor subsequently advancing said forms along said track member to saidposition to form a next section to be poured.

20. Apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms aplurality of elongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sectionshorizontally extending between a completed concrete section having asubstantially horizontal face and elevated portions of upright supports,said elevated portions being horizontally spaced from each other andfrom said completed section a predetermined distance in alignedrelationship, said initial section and said elevated portionsconstituting the elements of a pre-existing structure, the apparatuscomprising an elongated track member having a face portion adapted toform a track between three adjacent ones of said elements; means formovably mounting said track member on two of said elevated portionsconsecutively adjacent said completed section for longitudinal movementof said track member between a first position in which one portion ofsaid track member is supported on said completed section and anotherportion of said track member longitudinally spaced from said one portionis supported by said two elevated portions, and a second position inwhich said one portion is spaced from said completed section, anelongated form carrier member having an end portion mounted on saidtrack member for movement along said track; and carrier means secured toa portion of said form carrier member longitudinally spaced from saidend portion and adapted to move on said horizontal face of saidcompleted concrete section, whereby said form carrier member is jointlysupported by said completed section and said track member andlongitudinally movable relative thereto along said track to support saidmovable forms while concrete is poured into the latter to produce arespective section and for subsequently advancing said forms along saidtrack member to a location between said free end and said next adjacentsupport to form a next section to be poured.

21. Apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms aplurality of elongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sectionshorizontally extending from a completed concrete section having asubstantially horizontal face, comprising a plurality of uprightsupports each having an elevated portion, said elevated portions beinghorizontally spaced from each other and from said completed section apredetermined distance in aligned relationship, said initial section andsaid elevated portions constituting the elements of a supportingstructure; an elongated track member having a face portion adapted toform a track between adjacent ones of said elements; means for movablymounting said track member on said supporting structure for longitudinalmovement of said track member toward and away from a position in whichone portion of said track member is supported on said completed sectionand another portion of said track member longitudinally spaced from saidone portion is supported by one of said supports; and a form carriermember having a portion mounted on said track member for movement alongsaid trackto support said movable forms'while concrete is poured intothe latter to produce a respective section and for sub sequentlyadvancing said forms along said track member to a location between saidfree end and said next adjacent support to form a next section to bepoured.

22. Apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms aplurality of elongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sectionshorizontally extending from a completed concrete section having asubstantially horizontal face, comprising a plurality of up rightsupports each having an elevated portion, said elevated portions beinghorizontally spaced from each other and from said completed section apredetermined distance in aligned relationship, said initial section andsaid elevated portions constituting the elements of a supportingstructure; an elongated track member having a face portion adapted toform a track between adjacent ones of said elements; means for mountingsaid track member on said supporting structure for longitudinal movementof said track member toward and away from a position in which oneportion of said track member is supported on said completed section andanother portion of said track member longitudinally spaced from said oneportion is supported by one of said supports; an elongated form carriermember; and alternative mounting means for movably mounting said carriermember movable along said track to support said movable forms whileconcrete is poured into the latter to produce a respective section andfor subsequently advancing said forms along said track member to alocation between said free end and said next adjacent support to form anext section to be poured on said track member for movement along saidtrack, and for releasably securing said form carrier member to one ofsaid upright supports.

23. Apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms aplurality of elongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sectionshorizontally extending between a completed concrete section having asubstantially horizontal face and elevated portions of upright supports,said elevated portions being horizontally spaced from each other andfrom said completed section a predetermined distance in alignedrelationship, said initial section and said elevated portionsconstituting the elements of a pre-existing structure, the apparatuscomprising an elongated track member having a face portion adapted toform a track between adjacent ones of said elements; means for mountingsaid track member on said pre-existing structure for longitudinalmovement of said track member toward and away from a position in whichone portion of said track member is adjacent said completed section andanother portion of said track member longitudinally spaced from said oneportion is supported by one of said upright supports for releasablysecuring said adjacent portion to said completed section, and a formcarrier member having a portion mounted on said track member formovement along said track to support said movable forms while concreteis poured into the latter to produce a respective section and forsubsequently advancing said forms along said track member to a locationbetween said free end and said next adjacent support to form a nextsection to be poured.

24. In an apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ a plurality ofelongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sections'horizontallyextending between a completed concrete section having a substantiallyhorizontal face portion and elevated portions of upright supports, saidelevated portions being horizontally spaced from each other and fromsaid completed section in aligned relationship, an elongated formcarrier member adapted to extend from said completed concrete section toan adjacent one of said upright supports; mounting means secured to saidform carrier member and movable on said face portion of said completedconcrete section for longitudinal movement of said form carrier membertoward and away from a position in which a front portion of said formcarrier engages said adjacent upright support; and means for releasablysecuring said front portion to said upright support.

25. Apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms aplurality of elongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sectionshorizontally extending between a completed concrete section having asubstantially horizontal face portion and a plurality of uprightsupports horizontally spaced from each other and from said completedsection a predetermined distance in aligned relationship, the apparatuscomprising an elongated form carrier member having a length notsubstantially smaller than said predetermined distance and notsubstantially greater than one-and-one-half times said distance, wherebysaid form carrier member is adapted to extend from said completedconcrete section to an adjacent one of said upright supports to supportsaid movable forms while concrete is poured into the latter to produce arespective section; mounting means secured to said form carrier memberand movable on said face portion of said completed concrete section forlongitudinal movement of said form carrier member toward and away from aposition in which a front portion of said form carrier member engagessaid adjacent upright support; an auxiliary upright support spaced fromsaid front portion when in said position by substantially one half ofsaid distance along said form carrier member;

means for releasably securing said front portion to said adjacentupright support; and means for supporting a portion of said form carriermember on said auxiliary upright support.

26. Apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms aplurality of elongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sections,comprising a completed concrete section having a substantiallyhorizontal face portion; an upright support horizontally spaced fromsaid completed section by a predetermined distance; an elongated formcarrier member having a length not substantially smaller than saidpredetermined distance and not substantially greater thanone-and-one-half times said distance, whereby said form carrier memberis adapted to extend from said completed concrete section to saidupright support to support said movable forms while concrete is pouredinto the latter to produce a respective section; mounting means securedto said form carrier member and movable on said face portion of saidcompleted concrete section for longitudinal movement of said formcarrier member toward and away from a position in which a front portionof said form carrier member engages said upright support; auxiliarysupport means extending from said upright support in a direction towardsaid completed concrete section; means for releasably securing saidfront portion to said upright support; and means for movably supportinga portion of said form carrier member on said auxiliary support means assaid carrier member moves toward said position thereof.

27. Apparatus for consecutively pouring in situ and into movable forms aplurality of elongated longitudinally consecutive concrete sectionshorizontally extending between a completed concrete section having asubstantially horizontal face portion and elevated portions of uprightsupports, said elevated portions being horizontally spaced from eachother and from said completed section in aligned relationship, theapparatus comprising an elongated form carrier member adapted to extendfrom said completed concrete section to an adjacent one of said uprightsupports; a longitudinal extension member on a front portion of saidform carrier member; mounting means secured to said form carrier memberand movable on said face portion of said completed concrete section forlongitudinal movement of said form carrier member toward and away from aposition in which said front portion is aligned with said uprightsupport in a transverse direction and said extension member projectsbeyond said adjacent upright support; and means for releasably securingsaid front portion to said upright support.

28. Apparatus as set forth in claim 27, the length of said form carriermember being at least equal to the spacing of said adjacent uprightsupport from said completed concrete section.

29. Apparatus as set forth in claim 27, the combined length of said formcarrier and of said extension member being substantially equal to twicethe spacing of said adjacent upright support from said completedconcrete section.

30. Method according to claim 1, said form assembly being positionedbetween said first and second upright supports and subsequently betweensaid first section and said third support in such manner that a gap isformed between said first section and said next section which gap islocated at the point of zero moment of said sections.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS916,084 Witthoeflft Mar. 23, 1909 2,038,416 Clifford Apr. 21, 19362,306,503 Sarsos'dy Dec. 29, 1942 2,331,657 Crom Oct. 12, 1943 2,377,944Kohlhaas June 12, 1945 2,620,543 Scharsach Dec. 9, 1952 2,671,697 NorthMar. 9, 1954 2,692,034 Tidwell Oct. 19, 1954 2,712,750 FinsterwalderJuly 12, 1955 2,954,136 Butler et a1 Sept. 27, 1960

